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“SWDC Will Bridge Developmental Gaps In South-west” – Ondo Gov.

October 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the newly established South-West Development Commission (SWDC) to advance infrastructural renewal, industrialization and youth empowerment across the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Aiyedatiwa was speaking at a thanksgiving reception on Saturday, in honour of Dr Jide Martins Adewinle, the newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State in the Commission.

The Governor described the appointment as a product of merit, hard work and years of consistent service to humanity.

The event, held at Adekunbi Hall, Iye Ile Resort Centre, Ode-Aye, brought together dignitaries from across the country, including traditional rulers, political associates and well-wishers who joined in celebrating the new appointee.

In his speech, the Governor lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SWDC, saying the Commission would bridge developmental gaps in the South-West and unlock its economic potential.

He said, “The creation of the South-West Development Commission is a laudable step by the Federal Government to tackle developmental disparities, harness regional potential and promote sustainable growth.

“With the right leadership and collaboration, the Commission will serve as a veritable tool for economic revitalisation, infrastructural renewal and social transformation in our region.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who congratulated Adewinle, noted that his appointment did not come by chance, but as an acknowledgement of competence, capacity and character, urging him to live up to expectation.

He added, “Over the years, Dr Adewinle has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development, youth empowerment and professionalism.

“His appointment will further project Ondo State as a reservoir of capable hands, men and women who can stand tall anywhere in service to our nation.

“Leadership is stewardship imbued with humility, inclusiveness and vision. Let your service reflect the diligence, integrity and accountability that have defined your journey thus far.

“The expectations are high, but I am confident that with God on your side and the support of our people, you will make Ondo proud,” he advised.

The Governor assured that the Ondo State Government would work closely with the SWDC and other federal institutions to ensure that the people benefit maximally from ongoing and future developmental projects.

“Our administration will continue to collaborate with the Commission to enhance regional integration, agricultural development, industrialization and youth empowerment, all key pillars of our development agenda.”

Earlier, Dr Jide Martins Adewinle expressed gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He said the SWDC was created to promote regional development by focusing on education, infrastructure, welfare and economic empowerment, describing it as a platform that would reposition the South-West for sustainable growth.

Adewinle recalled that the idea of regional development being championed through the Commission was a continuation of the visionary blueprint of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose policies transformed the South-West into an economic hub through education, infrastructure and agriculture.

Badagry Warns “Eze Ndigbo”, Stops Him From Using The Title, Building Palace

The Source

October 11, 2025

By Charles Igbo

Joseph Amokachie, who parades himself as Eze Igbo Badagry, has been warned by the Badagry West Local Council Development against building a Palace in the area.

The Badagry West Local Council Development, in a statement signed by the Head, of the Legal Services Unit of the LCDA, Mesewaku M. Stephen Esq.,emphasized that the region has abolished the nomenclature of Eze Ndigbo. The statement also informed that the LCDA has suspended his plans to build a palace for the title holder.

Amokachie, this medium gathered, was soliciting for donations towards building a palace for him as Eze Ndigbo in the area.

But Badagry West LCDA, in its statement, told him and those and those planning such a thing that the Region already has Kings, and warned him to allow the peace enjoyed in the area to subsist.

The statement to Amokachie reads: “Sequel to your letter titled as above, I am directed and instructed by the Chairman, through the Council Manager to write you as follows:

“That Badagry West LCDA is one of the most peaceful Councils in the entirety and environment, due to its receptiveness and acceptance of other tribes.

“That this peaceful coexistence does not just exist without the efforts and sacrifices of indigenous people to overlook some excesses, but also to check them as they unfold.

“That recently, the social media was agog with the conviction of one Frederick who was convicted for parading himself as the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate contravening the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.

“That we recognize and appreciate the influence of the Igbo Community in the LCDA and we would do nothing to undermine their tradition and culture, but would not allow illegality to prevail and succeed.

“That it is pertinent to note here that Eze Indigbo is not known to the Obas of Lagos State and anything that is not known to law is an illegality.

“That we do not oppose to having a Leader of the Igbos who superintends the affairs and welfare of the Igbo people within Badagry West LCDA but will not allow Eze Indigbo because as at the present state of affairs, Badagry West LCDA

has Two Kings, The Alapa of Apa Kingdom and The Akweno of Kweme Kingdom’. Anything contrary to this is an anomaly and an illegality in its entirety.

“That it is on this note that we direct that any further activities on building of a Palace for the supposed Eze Ndigbo of Badagry West LCDA be suspended with immediate effect and there should not be any such recognition or nomenclature as Eze Ndigbo of Badagry West LCDA forthwith.

“That we recognize the Igbo as a community and we are not opposed to any activities such as New Yam festival and any other traditional rites as long as it does not contravene the Laws of Lagos State and the Bye-Laws of Badagry West LCDA

“That we shall be ready to support the Igbo Community as the Council deems fit but would not support illegality.

“That we do not wish to join issues with the Igbo Community in Badagry West LCDA but we do appreciate a long lasting peaceful coexistence in Badagry West LCDA

“That we hope and anticipate your strict, prompt and swift adherence to this directive.”

Recall, though, that both Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Council of South-east Traditional Rulers, have, since, stopped the Igbo outside Igbo Land from parading themselves as Eze Ndigbo or using the title.

Umahi Replies Makinde: I’m Your Senior, Became Gov Before You

James Orji

October 11, 2025

David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works has replied Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state over his recent remark that the former was dancing around when he was asked to give the cost per kilometre of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.

The minister who spoke on Saturday during an inspection tour of the Keffi Bridge and the Nasarawa–Toto Road projects, said he’s not Governor Makinde’s mate in the enginerring profession.

According to Umhai, he also became governor before the Oyo state governor saying the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project has been politicised.

Recall that Makinde had while responding to the controversy that trailed Umahi’s refusal to answer how much it cost to construct a kilometer of the Coastal Road, said the minister should have answered the “elementary questions’ rather than dillydallying on the issue.

Reacting, Umahi who described Maknide as his “brother” however stated that the governor should not have criticized him openly, saying he should have come to him for clarifications as his “senior” in the engineering profession.

Umahi: “I heard that my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, said something about the cost per kilometre. I don’t want to join issues with him.

“I think he is an engineer, while I am an electrical engineer, they call us ‘elect-elect’. But this road construction matter, ‘elect-elect no reach there.

“I am his senior both in governance and in engineering practice. So, anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask. I have great respect for him as my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the statement that I’m dancing around. I never danced around. If he insists, he should come for a debate, which is very important.

“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometre.

“I am teaching them that cost per kilometre can be divided into estimated cost, which has elements of variance, and average cost, which is definitive. The average cost of a definitive project and the estimated cost are probable elements.

“When the project is completed, and you remove what you didn’t use, such as contingencies and VOP, then you have your actual cost.

“When somebody who is dangling without knowledge goes to ask AI what the difference is between cost per kilometre and average cost, I’m happy that AI told him exactly what I said,” the minister said.

Umahi had steered controversy after he clashed with Rufai Oseni of the Arise Television who asked him to give the cost per kilometer of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Bauchi: Two Soldiers Detained For Killing Policeman

Ayodele Oni

October 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Two Soldiers in the custody of the Bauchi State Police Command for allegedly shooting to death a Policeman,.

The soldiers attached to the STF Operation Safe Haven with headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, allegedly shot dead a Police Constable, Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), attached to the Bauchi State Police Command.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, in the evening around the popular Tudun Wadan Dan Iya popularly known as Bayan Gari in Bauchi metropolis.

The incident followed an altercation between the deceased and the soldiers while the late Constable was on duty with other members of the Police Patrol Team.

Report stated that the problem started at about 9pm when the Patrol team stopped to search cars and asked questions from those on motorcycles just as a routine to keep the area secured.

It added that at some point one soldier in mufti, refused to submit himself for search and obstructed the patrol team causing a commotion after which he left.

According to report, about one hour later, the soldier returned to the scene with two of his colleagues and before anything could be said, shot the constable in the chest.

The state commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, while reacting to the incident, urged personnel of the Command to remain calm and emphasised the importance of a thorough and discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ukash’s death by a private soldier as he has ordered for autopsy.

The Command’s spokesman, Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, in a press release, stated that “On 10th October, at about 22:35 hours, information received by the Command indicated a serious incident involving a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila during a routine patrol in the Bayan Gari area.

“The patrol team encountered an assault on one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), by two individuals in front of Padimo Hotel.

“The remaining members of the team responded swiftly, resulting in the apprehension of one suspect, while the other escaped the scene.

“Subsequently, at about 23:05 hours, Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654), both partially dressed in military uniform and armed with rifles, approached the team and fatally shot Constable Ukasha Muhammed in the left chest before fleeing the vicinity.

“The shot Police personnel, was promptly evacuated to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where he was tragically pronounced dead by medical personnel.

“The remains of the deceased have been transferred to the mortuary, and the detained soldiers Private Yakubu Yahuza and Private Godspower Gabriel, are currently being held in Police custody.”

He said that as they tried to run from the scene, people around rose and held them until the Police reinforced arrived and took them away.

Ondo House Of Assembly Now One Party Chamber – Coalition, Says Defection Violates Trust Of Voters

Ayodele Oni

October 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) has condemned the recent mass defection of opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the development poses a grave threat to democracy and accountability in the state.

With all 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly now belonging to the APC, the coalition said the legislature has effectively become “a one-party chamber” incapable of providing the necessary checks and balances in governance.

Barely five weeks after the resignation of two lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the remaining two members defected to the ruling party this week.

The two decampees include: the former House minority leader representing Akure South 1 Constituency, Olajide Oguntodu and his deputy, the lawmaker representing Akoko South West, Constituency 1,Oluwatoyin Daodu.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alo Martins, and Secretary, Ayomide Jayeiola, CACSOD described the lawmakers’ action as “a betrayal of the people’s mandate” and “a direct assault on the democratic process.

“A democracy without opposition is democracy in name only. The legislature now risks becoming a rubber stamp, unable to question the executive or defend citizens’ interests,” the coalition stated.

CACSOD argued that the mass defection violated the trust of voters who elected opposition candidates based on distinct party manifestos. It accused the defectors of political opportunism and urged them to resign and seek fresh mandates if they truly believe in their new political allegiance.

The coalition called on the National Assembly and the ongoing Constitution Review Committee to tighten the anti-defection clause in Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which currently allows defections on the grounds of “division” within a political party.

According to CACSOD, this loophole has been “grossly abused” by politicians who manufacture or exaggerate internal crises as an excuse to switch parties.

“Any elected official who defects should automatically vacate his or her seat. INEC should then conduct an immediate by-election to give voters the chance to reaffirm or reject the defector.”

The coalition also warned that a legislature without opposition weakens oversight on the executive, increases the risk of corruption, and stifles public accountability.

CACSOD urged Ondo citizens to “shine their eyes” in future elections by rejecting political defectors who place personal ambition above public service.

“Voters must reward integrity and consistency, not political convenience,” the group said, pledging to continue monitoring the Assembly’s activities to ensure accountability despite the absence of opposition.

The coalition restated its commitment to defending democracy, strengthening state institutions, and amplifying citizens’ voices across Ondo State and Nigeria.

“Democracy loses its meaning when every voice in the legislature sings the same tune,” it concluded.

OPINION: Air Peace and Other Matters

The Source

October 11, 2025

By Valentine Obienyem

Now that it has been established beyond dispute that Air Peace paid one hundred million naira for land in Anambra State – land intended for the construction of aviation facilities of billions of Naira that would have advanced commerce, aviation, and employment in the region – and was yet treated unfairly, we are compelled to ask: what does this reveal about the character of the Governor who held office in August 2021, when the payment was made. I do not want to mention names; I believe we should simply focus on the issues.

Was he, perhaps, denied a personal stake in the venture and, in resentment, withdrew his hand of approval? Or was it yet another symptom of that tragic season in a state’s life when governance descends into pettiness and public interest is sacrificed on the altar of ego? Whatever the cause, the consequence remains unchanged — the betrayal of public trust and the paralysis of collective progress.

I am sure Air Peace must be saying to himself, “I wish it had been under Obi.” Other industrialists may have told him – with cheeks bursting with pride – how Mr. Peter Obi treated them. Which industry in Anambra did Obi not visit and support – at least by constructing access roads to their locations, bringing President Goodluck Jonathan to personally commission their facilities, purchasing their products, and even marketing them himself? I remember how he personally traversed the bushes of the state while seeking land for some of the investors who came during his tenure.

Many Anambra people are unaware of what Air Peace is quietly doing for the state. Have you not noticed that Anambra now has more pilots than any other state in the country, and that thousands of its indigenes are employed by the airline – without noise or “Dorime?”

In enlightened societies, governments court investors with open arms, offering incentives, waivers, and even tax holidays, knowing that the prosperity of industry is the prosperity of the state. Here, however, we too often convert opportunity into hunt for personal gain. We repel those whose enterprise might have lifted thousands, and in so doing, condemn ourselves to perpetual underdevelopment.

One must therefore ask: to whom was that same parcel of land later allocated? Should it not be revoked now, as a gesture of remorse and a lesson from a state mourning a lost opportunity?

This is no isolated case. The same shortsightedness – allocate to me my own share mentality- drove International Breweries to abandon Anambra for Shagamu, despite having been granted land by the banks of the Omambala River. Distell, too, fled Ozubulu after preparatory works, and the land they left behind found its way into private hands. Likewise, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals withdrew from their planned facility in Amawbia, though a ground-breaking ceremony had already been held with fanfare and official optimism.

The Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals is still pained that she could not secure their ongoing massive expansion in Anambra rather than in Shagamu. Like Air Peace, the full story will one day be told.

If the Juhel facility had not come up during Obi’s tenure, perhaps it too would have been in Shagamu by now.

Each of these episodes is not merely a missed investment; it is a small tragedy in the chronicle of a people struggling against themselves. For when enterprise departs, development recedes. When ambition is thwarted by envy, or public duty is subdued by private greed, the spirit of progress falters.

Let it be said plainly: governance is the art of sensing opportunity for the governed and utilizing it. It is not about drinking oneself to stupor as a routine ritual. It is a trust held on behalf of the unborn. Unless those in power learn this eternal truth, Anambra – rich in talent but poor in foresight – will continue to watch opportunity sail away while others reap the harvest of her abandoned promise.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, writes from Awka

Ebonyi Partners Bulgaria Firm To Establish Hospital

Ayodele Oni

October 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ebonyi State Government is partnering with a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company to establish a hospital in the State.

Governor Francis Nwifuru who disclosed this expressed optimism about a transformative healthcare partnership with Neuro Pharma, a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company led by Ms. Valicka Stamenova.

The collaboration, discussed during a meeting, aims to establish a state-of-the-art 1,200-bed hospital in Ebonyi, promising a significant boost to the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

“Yesterday, I had the pleasure of welcoming to my office a team of investors led by Ms. Valicka Stamenova of Neuro Pharma—a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company with a strong vision to expand access to quality healthcare across selected African countries,” Governor Nwifuru shared in his official X account Saturday

The governor assured the investors of Ebonyi’s investor-friendly legal framework, which guarantees protection, transparency, and support for genuine investments.

Nwifuru expressed readiness to collaborate, envisioning the hospital as a landmark project that will enhance healthcare access and stimulate economic growth.

As discussions progress, the proposed 1,200-bed facility is poised to address long-standing healthcare challenges in Ebonyi State, positioning it as a regional healthcare hub.

OPINION: Five Reasons Why Senate Ought To Reject Amupitan As INEC Chair

The Source

October 11, 2025

By Steve Osuji

A PLAYER AND A REFEREE:
Here we go again! Here we are walking into what may be a well-packaged fraud from day one.

Nigerians must have learnt not to trust President Bola Tinubu by now. Over the years, he has proved time and again that he cannot be trusted especially with electioneering matters and high level national policies.

It stands to reason therefore that Tinubu, knowing his antecedents, would never be neutral in picking an umpire for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The popular perception of Tinubu is that of a win-at-all-cost politician.

He takes no prisoners in election contests. He doesn’t lose elections. But don’t ask how the victory was wrought. He himself has openly confessed to the smash-grab-and-run-wit h it method.

From the foregoing, it would be foolhardy to expect President Tinubu to be fair and neutral in selecting an umpire for the electoral body.

Not when a crucial election is ahead in which he’s a contestant.

The situation here is like asking a cat to look after a rat. Nigeria must be the only country in the world where one of the contending teams in a tournament is allowed to nominate the referee for the game!

The message here is that Nigerians must be extra-vigilant as Tinubu nominates a new INEC chairman.

A certain Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan was presented to the National Council of State (NCS) last Thursday and it was a fait accompli. The captive crowd sequestered in the presidential villa wouldn’t dare to question the President in his domain.

Upon a careful scrutiny of the nominee and his bio, this column has strong reasons to be sceptical. This column therefore urges the Senate, which has the final say to tarry a while, take two weeks to one month and run a thorough check on PROFESSOR JOASH OJO AMUPITAN.

Below are some areas the senate must flash it’s searchlight.

■FIVE REASONS WHY SENATE OUGHT TO REJECT AMUPITAN

ONE: CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
Upon his nomination, discerning Nigerians have pointed at a clear case of conflict. Many remember that Prof Amupitan was one of the horde of over 50 SANS who were in the legal team of Tinubu and the APC at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

According to some civil society bodies, Amupitan was not just a member, he was said to have played some leading role. There need to scrutinize this claim thoroughly.

If Amupitan was ever on the payroll of Tinubu or APC, no matter how tangentially, that disqualifies him summarily.

Further, if such a fact was concealed from the public. It may amount to criminal concealment of germaine facts. The fact of this matter should be easier for the senate to unveil.

Apart from the matter of conflict, if truly he was part of that team, it says a lot about his character and integrity that he was a part of senior lawyers who aided and abetted the open heist that was 2023 Presidential.

TWO: NO RECORD OF EARLY EDUCATION ON AMUPITAN’S PROFILE:
The second reason why the senate must carefully scrutinize the nominee is that there’s no evidence of primary and secondary school attendance or qualification.

First, it is strange that there are few biographical profiles of Amupitan online. Wikipedia, LinkedIn, etc don’t seem to know him. The official profile which the presidency released is what major newspapers like The Punch, Daily Trust The Cable, Premium Times, etc just rehashed. It’s either the editors played dumb or that they are actually so. Which is unlikely. One finds it difficult to believe that such a major lacuna in such a major CV could be missed by all the newspapers in the land. So our Prof Amupitan was born in 1967 … and he enrolled in Kwara Polytechnic in 1982 to 1984, then UNIJOS where he earned LLB, (1987).

It is the same way most of them are silent on his role in PEPT. Uncanny.

THREE: DODGY CAREER TRAJECTORY AT UNIJOS:
Another aspect of Amupitan’s CV that needs to be checked is his rise in the UNIJOS law faculty where he had all his legal studies.

For instance, Amupitan became head of Department of Public Law, 2006 to 2008, that was before he had earned his PhD.

Again, he was Dean, Faculty of Law, 2008 to 2014, only one year after earning his PhD! It’s either there were no professors in the department and faculty or someone is a prankster here!

The Senate must seek coherent answers.

FOUR: NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NO STATE:
A Fourth reason the Senate must be circumspect is that the so-called National Council of State (NCS) meeting which purportedly endorsed President Tinubu’s nominee is more State than national. The most prominent members may have boycotted the show. No former President was in attendance.

Former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan; former heads of state: Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar, didn’t show up.

This simply may suggest that they are not happy with what Tinubu is doing. It was never this bad, NCS was never so shunned before. Not even in the time of Buhari.

This may give the Senate a pointer.

FIVE: DEEP INTEREST IN THE KITCHEN CABINET:
Amupitan is said to have deep roots in Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet through his long-standing friendship with James Faleke. They are also from the same local government, Ojumu in Kogi State.

James Abiodun Faleke is one of the closest aides of President Tinubu today. He has been a steadfast and loyal aide of Asiwaju since 1999. That has kept him in the loop of Lagos and Kogi Politics till this moment.

The logic here is that if Prof Amupitan is beholden to the Tinubu cabal, he will do their biddings when the chips are down in a crucial moment of calling a presidential election.

LASTLY, THE SENATE OWES NIGERIA A DUTY:
It’s trite to say that the INEC chairman is perhaps the most important position after the president therefore, the making of one must be very thorough.

This column calls on the Senate of the Federal Republic to rise to the occasion this time. This position is too serious to be taken lightly.

>> Osuji was editor at The Guardian, THISDAY, among others.

Gov. Oyebanji Presents N415.57B Ekiti State 2026 Budget

Ayodele Oni

October 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday presented a budget estimate of N415.57 billion for the 2026 fiscal year which is expected to focus on consolidating the various achievements recorded by his administration in the last three years.

The 2026 Budget Estimate of Ekiti State which was christened “Budget of Impactful Governance” is made up of a Recurrent Expenditure of N221.87 billion representing 53 percent of the total size of the budget and a Capital Expenditure of N193.70 billion, which translates to 46 per cent of the total size.

The Ekiti budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year is about 11 percent higher than the approved 2025 budget, which stood at N375.79 billion and which had N252.15 billion as its Recurrent Expenditure and N104.51 billion as Capital Expenditure.

Laying the budget proposal before members of Ekiti State House of Assembly during a plenary held at the Old Assembly Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the 2026 Budget was tailored towards the completion of all ongoing infrastructural development projects.

The 2026 Budget, according to the Governor would also focus on investing in agriculture and related value chain and will address wealth creation, as well as welfare of the people to further ensure the fulfillment of the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

The planned substantial investment on agriculture and wealth creation were aimed at generating employment, stabilizing food prices, assuring food security and boosting the contribution of agriculture to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the revenue sources expected to fund the budget size of N415.57 billion include Federal Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Independent Revenue (from MDAs and Tertiary Institutions), International Donor Agencies and other sundry income sources.

Oyebanji stated that the 2026 Budget estimate was a product of statewide consultations with the representatives of various towns and communities, various interest groups, revered traditional rulers and Civil Society Organizations at Town Hall Meetings held across the three senatorial districts, which enabled the people articulate the needs of their towns, communities and groups for consideration in the budget.

He further explained that the 2026 Budget stemmed from the State Development Plan, 2021-2050, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), 2026–2028 and the Six Pillars of his Administration, and was prepared in compliance with the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) Template as unanimously agreed by the sub-nationals through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

He pledged the Government’s commitment to ensure fiscal responsibility towards the implementation of the proposed 2026 Budget which he described as an embodiment of the policy thrust of his administration and direction of the Ekiti State Government in the coming year.

The Governor noted that probity, transparency and accountability have been the hallmark of governance in Ekiti State under his watch which he described as necessary in upholding good governance and improving the standard of living of the people.

He said: “Distinguished Honourable members, without any fear of contradiction, I make bold to say that our Administration has demonstrated a high level of fiscal discipline and prudence in the utilization of our commonwealth to implement laudable developmental projects.

“These projects are not only impactful, they will set our State on the path of realizing the Shared Prosperity vision. I, therefore, affirm my commitment to continued fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.

“To further promote good governance , we have designed a framework for effective policy formulation and implementation that would further boost the economy of our dear State.

“We have also institutionalized several fiscal reforms at the State and the Local Government levels for quality service delivery. These reforms are already paying off.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, assured that the lawmakers would deliberate on the budget with diligence, patriotism, and impartiality to ensure that the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects the aspirations of the generality of Ekiti people.

The Speaker urged his colleagues to act as stewards and work on the budget proposal with integrity, discipline and a shared sense of purpose noting that “with united effort, we can sustain the momentum of reforms, catalyze inclusive growth, and build an Ekiti State where opportunity is within reach for all.

He also urged heads of MDAs to be prepared to shed light on their respective aspects of the budget when invited.

Super Eagles Keep 2026 World Cup Hopes Alive, Narrowly Beat Lesotho

Akinwale Kasali

October 11, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has brightened its 2026 FIFA World Cup hope with a slim 2-1 victory over the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Peter Mokoba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

The Coach Eric Chelle team started the match like a house on fire dictating play, but their dominance did not metamorphose into anything meaningful.

The first half ended goalless with the Super Eagles failing to create any good scoring opportunities.

As the second half commenced, the Super Eagles grew into the game, piling pressure on their opponents, leading to handball by a Lesotho that gave the team a penalty.

William Troost-Ekong converted the spot kick to give the Super Eagles the lead.

Substitute, Adams Akor scored the second goal after a good exchange of passes with Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria never rested on its oars as it mounted more pressure, with the Lesotho Goalkeeper making vital saves to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

A misjudged corner kick by Nigeria Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali led to the Lesotho Team scoring a consolation goal to keep the result respectable.

In the dying seconds of the match, a blunder from Nwabali and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi almost gave Lesotho the much needed equalizer, but the Lesotho played the ball wide to ease the tension on Nigeria.

In the other match, 10-man Zimbabwean Team held South Africa to a goalless draw, while the Squirrels of Benin Republic defeated the Amavubis of Rwanda by a lone goal courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun.

With the results, Benin Republic top the log with 17 Points, followed by South Africa with 15 Points, With the Super Eagles having 14 Points and third on the log.

The Super Eagles have to outrightly defeat the Beninoise side in their last Group match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, hoping that the Bafana Bafana of South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda in their last match.

A victory for the Super Eagles with at least three- goal margin, hoping that South Africa fail in it quest to beat Rwanda.

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